DPWH Successfully Completes Slope Protection Structures Along Pampanga Waterways

PAMPANGA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has successfully constructed vital slope protection structures along riverbanks in this province, providing crucial safeguarding during periods of heavy rainfall.

DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, referencing updates from DPWH Regional Office 3 Director Roseller A. Tolentino, has identified the beneficiary municipalities of these newly completed slope protection structures as Porac, Guagua, and Lubao in Pampanga.

One significant achievement is the 310.31-lineal-meter slope protection completed along the Pasig-Potrero River in Barangay Manuali, Porac, Pampanga.

This project, funded by P96.2 million from the 2022 General Appropriations Act (GAA), is built upon a steel sheet pile foundation.

Secretary Bonoan emphasized that this slope protection system is interconnected with the previously finished 232.54-lineal-meter structure in Barangay Manuali.

Together, they effectively mitigate flooding and soil erosion in residential areas near the Pasig-Potrero River, which are often susceptible to rapid water flow resulting from heavy rainfall.

In Guagua, Pampanga, an extensive slope protection structure spanning both sides of the Betis River in Barangay Sta. Ines has been completed, spanning a total of 245.6 lineal meters. This project, amounting to P29.39 million, was funded through the 2023 GAA, ensuring enhanced protection for lives and properties.

Furthermore, the DPWH, in collaboration with the Pampanga Second District Engineering Office (DEO), has accomplished the finalization of two additional slope protection structures along Sapang Gumi in Barangay Sta. Catalina and Patangue Creek in Barangay San Antonio, Lubao, Pampanga.

The Sapang Gumi Slope Protection Project, extending over 263.86 linear meters and valued at P29.4 million, was successfully completed adjacent to an existing slope protection system in the area. This project was funded through the 2023 GAA.

Likewise, the Patangue Creek Slope Protection Project, encompassing the establishment of protective structures on both sides of the creek, has been realized with a budget of P19.59 million sourced from the 2023 national budget.

These completed projects stand as a testament to DPWH’s dedication to fortifying Pampanga’s waterways and shielding local communities from the adverse effects of inclement weather. (Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)